Public Statements

Pitts on Ruling Against Health Care Mandate

Statement

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta partially upheld an earlier ruling declaring the federal mandate to purchase health insurance unconstitutional. While the mandate was struck down, the panel allowed the rest of the law to stand.

Rep. Pitts' statement follows:

"Today, we are one step closer to the elimination of the unconstitutional mandate to purchase health insurance included in last year's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I am glad to see the 11th Circuit recognize that the U.S. Constitution does not give the federal government the authority to force citizens to purchase a product.

"We must continue to work in Congress to repeal the whole law. While the courts have the power to block an assault on our liberty, it is Congress' duty to pass laws that work. The Affordable Care Act will not reduce health care costs. We still need real reform."